Skip to content

Best Attractions in North America (2026)

Landmarks, museums, historic sites, parks and viewpoints that draw visitors to a city, with practical notes on planning a visit.

150 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Attraction

48. City Park

Urban parkMid-City

A 1,300-acre park in Mid-City with ancient live oaks, lagoons, a botanical garden, a vintage carousel, NOMA and its free sculpture garden.

View details — City Park

Attraction

55. Santa Monica Pier

Historic pier and amusement parkSanta Monica

Built in 1909 and now a National Historic Landmark, Santa Monica Pier stretches into the Pacific with Pacific Park's rides, food stands, street performers and ocean views.

View details — Santa Monica Pier

Attraction

56. Shedd Aquarium

Public aquariumMuseum Campus

Opened in 1930 on the lakefront, Shedd Aquarium houses aquatic life from around the world in galleries such as Amazon Rising, Wild Reef and the Abbott Oceanarium.

View details — Shedd Aquarium

Attraction

57. The Mob Museum

History museum (organised crime and law enforcement)Downtown

Museum of organised crime and law enforcement in Downtown's restored 1933 post office and courthouse, with a basement speakeasy and distillery, open daily from 9am to 9pm.

View details — The Mob Museum